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Special interests in nature- does anyone else have this?

hypercolius

Hi,

Although I'm an astrophysicist, I have a huge interest in nature in general. I've been known to travel for hours in order to see something very rare and unique in the UK (and periodically planning things outside of the UK). It used to be traditionally birds only, but has now expanded rather significantly to take into account other plants and wildlife. 

In the past, I have been known to:

1) Obsessively search all over Windsor Great Park for a very specific, poisonous fungus (Rubroboletus legaliae) I absolutely, absolutely required on that trip because I once saw it in a book when 7 and liked what it looked like. I searched nonstop for over 4 hours until I found it. 

2) Walking around in circles in Thetford Forest in a specific site for hours (including under the rain) until I saw a goshawk. 

3) Travel as far as Kilnsey Park in a day trip to see lady's slipper orchids, in the context of my phone being smashed on the way there and me being left without any navigation at all when cycling in the Yorkshire Dales

Today my brain was running in circles because I managed to figure out where the wild Catacol whitebeam was growing on the Isle of Arran, adding it to a growing collection of rare plants and other 'nature things' which I currently have. I ended up becoming overwhelmed, shutting down and being barely able to function for a few hours. 

I was wondering, does anyone else have this? Are you interested in nature? 

Parents

  • I love nature but am not an expert - just on hobbyist level. I admire others who are and enjoy their books and documentaries. When younger, I used to forage for mushrooms and understand your obsession - they are fascinating. Now in my 70's, I prefer passive observation and working in my garden. I'm impressed with your level of observation and understand your getting overwhelnmed. It's like being overwhelmed when looking at the night sky and being in awe of the universe. It must be wonderful to know so much about it!! I get bogged down in ufathomable questions, like does the Universe have a physical end, what will happen when everything breaks down [Brian Cox] - and sometimes feel anxious and saddened at the thought of all the wonders coming to nothing. Hope you enjoy being in this community. Like  , I like reading the nature thread and hope you join us and contribute your expertise!

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  • I love nature but am not an expert - just on hobbyist level. I admire others who are and enjoy their books and documentaries. When younger, I used to forage for mushrooms and understand your obsession - they are fascinating. Now in my 70's, I prefer passive observation and working in my garden. I'm impressed with your level of observation and understand your getting overwhelnmed. It's like being overwhelmed when looking at the night sky and being in awe of the universe. It must be wonderful to know so much about it!! I get bogged down in ufathomable questions, like does the Universe have a physical end, what will happen when everything breaks down [Brian Cox] - and sometimes feel anxious and saddened at the thought of all the wonders coming to nothing. Hope you enjoy being in this community. Like  , I like reading the nature thread and hope you join us and contribute your expertise!

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